Jun 27 UFC Fight Night Auckland – what the local experts are saying

New Zealand has some of the most talented fighters, proven coaches and enthusiastic fans on earth. I’ve asked a few of them for their opinions regarding tomorrow night’s UFC at Vector Arena. Our panel of experts consists of:

James Te Huna vs Nate Marquardt

Daniel Richardson – James Te Huna by TKO Round 2.

Israel Adesanya – The main event is hard to call, I’m a fan of both guys and they both have a lot at stake in this fight. Nate always looked great at 185, but I think Te Huna could be a lot better at this weight. This could be the fight of the night and I’ll be cheering for James.

Carlo Meister – Te Huna should KO Marquardt, second or third round.

Mark Craig – End of the day, James is going to KO Marquardt. It’s going to be the hometown advantage – Te Huna is going to go out there and get berserk.

Daniel Hennessy – Te Huna by TKO Round 3 from ground and pound.

Lucas McIver – Te Huna by TKO Round 2.

Soa Palelei vs Jared Rosholt

Daniel Richardson – Soa Palelei by TKO Round 1.

Israel Adesanya – I’m going with Soa cuz he’s on a roll lately and must be hella confident especially in NZ. He just has to make sure he doesn’t gas out.

Mark Craig – Soa has that Polynesian connection with Auckland and I reckon he’s awesome. I think he’s only 4-5 wins away from a title shot.

Daniel Hennessy – Hulk Round 2 TKO

Lucas McIver – Soa via Round 2 TKO

Robert Whittaker vs Mike Rhodes

Daniel Richardson - Robert Whittaker by TKO Round 3.

Israel Adesanya – I’ll go with Whittaker because he’s explosive and knows how to finish fights.

Mark Craig – Whittaker is coming off an absolute towelling from Stephen Thompson, he just couldn’t handle the distancing. But I think in this one the haka is coming out. We’re warriors, it doesn’t matter what race you come from; you feel it. He’s going to take this one on points.

Daniel Hennessy – Whittaker late TKO Round 1.

Lucas McIver – Robert Whittaker via decision.

Daniel Hooker vs Ian Entwistle

Daniel Richards – Daniel Hooker by TKO Round 2.

Israel Adesanya – I’ve trained with Dan, his stand up is clean and he knows how and when to throw. His ground game is solid too…I’m picking Dan!

Carlo Meister – Dan Hooker vs Ian Entwistle is going to be a very interesting fight. As long as neither of them get UFC debut jitters, I think it will be high paced with a first or second round finish. I’m gonna say Hooker with the win.

Mark Craig – I think all of the Kiwi boys are going to go well but I also think [Strikeforce] coach Aaron Boyes deserves a lot of credit in this one. He deserves the recognition as an old time legend. This is the highest profile event he’s had a fighter in, and that’s a nod to his effort over the years. Dan Hooker will take it out.

Daniel Hennessy – Daniel Hooker by submission Round 2.

Lucas McIver – Dan Hooker via Fight of the Night.

So, it looks like our judges are unanimous in their verdict – tomorrow night will belong to the locals, and it’s an awesome time to be a martial arts fan in New Zealand.

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